Foster carers urgently needed in Haringey

Fostering information session held in Haringey. Credit: Haringey Council

Haringey Council marked foster care fortnight in May with a series of sessions aimed at encouraging more people to take on the inspiring role.

Foster carers are urgently needed in the borough to look after children who, for a range of reasons, can no longer live with their families. There are around 432 children in care in Haringey, and we particularly need foster carers for teenagers, as 37 percent are aged 15-17.

Jan is a Haringey resident who has been fostering for three years, after giving up full time work for health reasons. A former probation officer and director of a third sector organisation, she has so far taken on two placements – a family of three siblings who she looked after on a short respite basis and a teenager who now remains living with her as a care leaver under the national ‘Staying Put’ scheme.

Jan said: “I was going to be spending more time at home and wanted to do something worthwhile.

“Initially I only wanted to foster four to 11 year olds, but my first placement was a family of three children aged 11, six and one, which was obviously quite demanding and a different experience. And now I have a teenager living with me, which has also been quite eye-opening.”

Jan now works part-time alongside fostering. She is offered ongoing support and training and also goes to support groups aimed at foster carers.

She explains: “I’m really pleased I made the decision to become a foster carer and would urge anyone who is thinking about it to give it a go.

“Of course it has been demanding and challenging but I have really enjoyed it, I’ve learned a lot about myself as well as lots of new skills. The rewards far outweigh any challenges.”

At one of the Haringey Council information sessions, residents found out more about what being a foster carer involves, what training and support they receive, and got the chance to chat with a foster carer.

For example, as a foster carer in Haringey you receive 24-hour expert advice and support all year round, monthly supervision and regular support from your personal dedicated supervising social worker. This comes with up to £427 per week per child and close support from professional teams, including child social workers, health and educational specialists.

To find out more about fostering in Haringey: click here